Citron Preserves

Ingredients

• 1 pound Citron
• as needed Alum (omit if desired) (Originally alum. Can be omitted. Used as a firming agent.)
• 1 1/2 pounds White sugar
• to taste Mace (optional)
• to taste Ginger (optional)
• to taste Lemon flavor (optional)

Instructions

1. 1Prepare the citron rind into any form you desire (e.g., diced, sliced, etc.).
2. 2Boil the citron in alum-water (tolerably strong) for 30-40 minutes. If omitting alum, skip this step.
3. 3Take the citron from the alum water (or after boiling if omitting alum) and put it into clear, cold water. Allow it to stand overnight.
4. 4In the morning, change the water and put the citron to boil. Let it cook until it has entirely changed color and is quite soft.
5. 5Make a syrup by combining 1 1/2 pounds of white sugar per 1 pound of fruit. Add the fruit to the syrup and cook briefly.
6. 6Add mace, ginger, or lemon flavor to taste, if desired.